Frost Dates for Parkersburg, WV

In Parkersburg, WV, the average last spring frost is around Apr 14 and the average first fall frost around Oct 30, for a growing season of about 197 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 2only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 3050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season197 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Parkersburg, WV weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 620 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 2Oct 16
20%Apr 25Oct 21
30%Apr 20Oct 24
40%Apr 17Oct 27
50%Apr 14Oct 30
60%Apr 10Nov 1
70%Apr 7Nov 3
80%Apr 4Nov 7
90%Mar 31Nov 12

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 26Oct 19
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 14Oct 30
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 1Nov 9

Planting calendar for Parkersburg

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Peppers
Indoors Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Basil
Indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Green beans
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17
Sow or transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Oct 2
Spinach
Sow Mar 3 – Mar 24
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 25
Peas
Sow Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Kale
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Sow or transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 18
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Carrots
Sow Mar 24 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Radishes
Sow Mar 10 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 9
Beets
Sow Mar 24 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 20 – Feb 3
Plant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Potatoes
Plant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Garlic
Plant Oct 30 – Nov 27

Based on the average last frost (Apr 14) and first frost (Oct 30). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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